Ashley Morefield ’18
Donor Q&A
Tell us about your Dickinson experience.
I had a really busy and memorable time at Dickinson. I was a double major in international studies and French & Francophone studies, studied abroad with the Dickinson-in-France program during my junior year and participated in a variety of extracurricular activities, from Microcosm to the Synergy dance team. I was also a First-Year Mentor and a student worker in the Popel Shaw Center for Race & Ethnicity.
How has Dickinson’s useful liberal-arts education helped you?
I truly believe my Dickinson education exposed me to so many interesting academic and professional pursuits that felt so unique to the school. Even though it’s in a small town, Dickinson attracts so many professors who are revered scholars in their fields, so even a class taken to simply fulfill a lab requirement felt like I was truly diving deep into a new subject. I explored so many topics that I was interested in, but wasn't going to necessarily pursue in my career, which was really refreshing! I think a liberal-arts education helps you incorporate numerous perspectives when approaching an issue because you have a bit of a foundation in multiple fields.
What inspired your gift to Dickinson?
I have always been taught that to whom much is given, much is required. I was so lucky to have been financially supported by scholarships and grants that made my Dickinson education possible and such a worthwhile experience for me. Dickinson is continuing to expand and evolve and attract even more students from around the world, and it deserves the support of its alumni community to make that happen.
What do you hope your gift will do for fellow Dickinsoinans?
I hope that I'm helping future and current Dickinsonians experience all that Dickinson has to offer—with a little bit less of a financial burden. As I said, I got to experience so much on campus. And even though I did always work throughout college to have additional funds, I was blessed to not have a huge burden of tuition on my mom during my years there.
Why do you feel it’s important to give back to Dickinson?
Institutions like Dickinson are always going to think of more exciting projects, and they continue to face complex needs. Alumni showing support is a small step toward continuing Dickinson's legacy and giving the gift of education, exploration, cherished memories and lifelong friendships to future generations.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Dickinson?
Definitely my year abroad in Toulouse, France! I got to travel across Europe with some of my best friends, deepen my French skills and learn about a beautiful, historic city. I took courses that really exposed me to topics like migration, colonization and complex conflicts, which fed into all of my postgrad pursuits. I matured immensely during that year and learned a lot about myself while making memories I will carry with me forever.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I spend a lot of time with my closest friends from Dickinson! Many of us are based in D.C., and we like to explore all that the city has to offer—great restaurants, museum exhibits, live concerts and more. I continue to travel whenever possible; I love solo trips and trips with friends and family. I also continue to pursue diversity, equity and inclusion work in all areas of my life, from advocacy for Black Fulbrighters to acknowledging institutionalized racism in international development. I'm currently starting my second and last year of my master's program in security studies at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.
What advice would you give to today’s students?
Cherish your years in Carlisle. It’s a special place—the place where I met some of the most important people in my life. Take the time to enjoy the slow pace of Carlisle and go to its tasty and lively restaurants. Go to formals and concerts with friends. You'll never forget those moments.
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Published August 29, 2022